Publication:

A socio-demographic study on prevalence of undernutrition among pre-school children, under Rural Health Center, Santhiram Medical College, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh

Background Life of every human starts with infancy, childhood into adult life. During this process, childhood happen to be the most vulnerable phase associated with nutritional deficiency affecting the growth leading to morbidity and mortality. Malnutrition in pre-school children is considered most important indicator of the nutritional and health status of the country which is given top priority in National Family Health Survey- 4 (NFHS-4). Pre-school children in India have higher percentage of undernourished children and are 100th place among 119 malnourished countries in the world. The aims of the study were to assess the nutritional status of children aged 3-6 yrs in rural area attending Anganwadi centers under Rural Health Center, SRMC, Nandyal and to identify the factors associated with the nutritional status of pre-school children.

Methods Cross sectional study, area under Rural Health Center, Santhiram Medical College, A.P. Sample size for study is 161, calculated using Epi info-7 calculator. Study was carried during June 2017- July 2017 for a period of two months among 3-6 yrs children attending AWC under RHC, SRMC, Nandyal. Samples selected were based on using multistage random sampling technique. All the children were subjected to measure for body weight and their ages were recorded using Gomez classification based on weight for age. All the mothers were interviewed using pre tested questionnaire. The data compiled in excel sheet and later was analyzed using SPSS-22 version.

Results Total number of children between 3-6 yrs included in the study is 161. Female children (57.8%) outnumbered male children (42.2%) in the study. Undernourished children according to Gomez classification were falling in second degree with 77 (47.8%), followed by first degree 63 (39.1%). The age, mothers’ education and B G Prasad socio economic class-4 and class-5 with Under Nutrition were showing significant correlation showing p value less than 0.05.

Conclusions Mothers’ education and BG Prasad socio economic class is showing more influence on second degree and first degree under nutrition based on Gomez classification.